Can I keep chickens in Salt Lake City, UT?
Yes — Salt Lake City allows backyard chickens, up to 15 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Salt Lake City Code 8.08.065, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 15 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Covered, ventilated, predator-resistant coop in rear yard, at least 25 ft from any dwelling on an adjacent lot; min 2 sq ft/chicken (6 sq ft/chicken if no outside run). Feed in rodent/predator-proof containers. |
| Code section | Salt Lake City Code 8.08.065 |
Salt Lake City allows up to 15 hen chickens (no roosters) on a residential lot for egg production. An annual permit is required, the coop must sit at least 25 ft from adjacent dwellings, and chickens must be confined.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Salt Lake City?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Salt Lake City (Salt Lake City Code 8.08.065).
How many chickens can I keep in Salt Lake City?
Up to 15 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Salt Lake City?
Yes — Salt Lake City requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Salt Lake City?
No — roosters are prohibited in Salt Lake City.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Salt Lake City?
25 feet minimum. Covered, ventilated, predator-resistant coop in rear yard, at least 25 ft from any dwelling on an adjacent lot; min 2 sq ft/chicken (6 sq ft/chicken if no outside run). Feed in rodent/predator-proof containers.
What law covers backyard chickens in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City Code 8.08.065. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Salt Lake City Code 8.08.065 — read the official code
“fifteen (15) hen chickens (and no roosters) may be kept on a lot or parcel of land in a residential district for the sole purpose of producing eggs.” source
“Chickens shall not be kept on a residential lot or parcel unless the person keeping chickens first obtains a permit ... The permit shall be good for one year and may be renewed annually.” source
“The coop shall be located in a rear yard at least twenty five feet (25') from any dwelling located on an adjacent lot.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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